Chances-3.35o,3.2s

[dentalxtina]

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Hey guys,
I am reapplying to dental school this year and have a 3.35 overall gpa, 3.2 science. I received a 19 TS, 20PAT when i took the DAT in June 2014 (first and only time taking it). I have 100+ hours of shadowing, great letters of recommendation this year from 2 science professors and also great letters from an oral surgeon and a dentist. I ran my own business in college that unfortunately occupied most of time and interfered with school. I worked 25+ hours per week with my business and took many science classes since i was a B.S. in Biology. What are my chances this round with applying? Also, I am still writing my personal statement but I plan to have my application in by mid-June. I have my business listed as an extracurricular, but should i address in my personal statement how it interfered with school (explaining my low gpa)? p.s my personal statement is focused on how i built a business from the ground up with something i was passionate about and how I plan to take my passion for dentistry and put 100% dedication into succeeding.

 

[BrazilianRider]

What did you change from the last time you applied?

 

[dentalxtina]

The last time I applied, i did not have very good letters of rec from teachers-they weren't very personal and to be honest I don't even think the teachers remembered who i was. My teachers this year know me very well and have a lot of positive things to say about me. I also raised my science gpa significantly. I was taking all bio classes my 14-15 year (senior year) at Miami University and managed to get a 3.4 both semesters even while working 25+ hours a week. I'm also wondering if i should take the DAT again because in all honesty I only studied a month for it and I hadn't even taken any practice tests before I took the actual DAT (stupid on my part but I was cramming to the extreme). I am thinking I could do a lot better if i took it again since i only studied for a month and still managed to do pretty decent (no scores below 18). But is it too late for that now if I wouldn't take it until end of August/beginning of October

 

[tarheel616]

Did you get any interviews last cycle and are you reapplying to the same schools or different ones?

 

[dentalxtina]

I didn't get any interviews. I got put on hold at Marquette, but I think that's pretty common for a lot of applicants. I am still waiting on Case and University of New England College of Dental Medicine (UNE) to give me an answer but since they haven't even interviewed me, I'm thinking its slim chance.

 

[dentalxtina]

Also, I am applying to some of the same, some different. Here's my list (stars next to ones I have previously applied):
University of Southern California
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Dental Medicine
Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine-Illinois*
Indiana University School of Dentistry
University of Louisville School of Dentistry*
University of Maryland Baltimore School of Dentistry
University of New England College of Dental Medicine*
University of Minnesota
Creighton University
Case Western Reserve University*
The Ohio State University College of Dentistry*-I know this is a reach but my dad is a dentist and went here
Temple University
University of Pittsburgh
University of Tennessee*
Virginia Commonwealth University*-my sister is a 4th year dental student here
Marquette University School of Dentistry*

 

[DATtestTho]

The last time I applied, i did not have very good letters of rec from teachers-they weren't very personal and to be honest I don't even think the teachers remembered who i was. My teachers this year know me very well and have a lot of positive things to say about me. I also raised my science gpa significantly. I was taking all bio classes my 14-15 year (senior year) at Miami University and managed to get a 3.4 both semesters even while working 25+ hours a week. I'm also wondering if i should take the DAT again because in all honesty I only studied a month for it and I hadn't even taken any practice tests before I took the actual DAT (stupid on my part but I was cramming to the extreme). I am thinking I could do a lot better if i took it again since i only studied for a month and still managed to do pretty decent (no scores below 18). But is it too late for that now if I wouldn't take it until end of August/beginning of October

Ok so youve got better letters of rec which can only help so thats good. Getting a 3.4 both semesters is ok but honestly isnt helping much. You dont say your DAT AA, but assuming its like an 18-19 you might want to retake to stand a better chance. You said it yourself, you didnt really study much nor do practice tests. Honestly your stats are barely average so Id suggest it. The business thing is cool though def throw it in your app but dont use it as an excuse for your grades. Not sure what state youre a resident from so cant help much with your list other then saying add NYU, NOVA, and Midwest-AZ.

 

[I want to go to there]

Also, I am applying to some of the same, some different. Here's my list (stars next to ones I have previously applied):
University of Southern California
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Dental Medicine
Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine-Illinois*
Indiana University School of Dentistry
University of Louisville School of Dentistry*
University of Maryland Baltimore School of Dentistry
University of New England College of Dental Medicine*
University of Minnesota
Creighton University
Case Western Reserve University*
The Ohio State University College of Dentistry*-I know this is a reach but my dad is a dentist and went here
Temple University
University of Pittsburgh
University of Tennessee*
Virginia Commonwealth University*-my sister is a 4th year dental student here
Marquette University School of Dentistry*

Since you are spending like 2 grand to apply to that many schools, I recommend studying hard and retaking your DAT as soon as you are ready. Your chances atm is meh at best and you won't get into most of the schools you've listed with your current stat, if any.

 

[Let me see ya grill]

.

 

[ajj70]

I would retake the DAT, your scores are too low to go with your low GPA. Also, working 25 hours/week really isn't something that should take away from your studies nor should the excuse about being a Bio major have any impact on your GPA, most of us are science majors, work or are involved in EC's for 25+ hours/week and still manage good grades. It sounds like your business was more important than your schooling and that is going to hurt you more than help you.

 

[RuffDay]

Retake your DAT. You said that you have already put a month of studying into your exam, which I personally believe is a good enough to score a 20+.
I would just do 1.5-2 weeks of practice problems, and take your DAT around mid-August.